I have a class reunion coming up this spring, but it might not actually happen. So far the class seems to be split over if we should have one or not, many people citing the fact that if we wanted to find out what each other are up to these days we could simply check Facebook.

Social networking provides an amazing opportunity to stay connected for collegues and friends, and find more connections and opportunities through sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and more. The days of sending a birthday card or picking up the phone to see how an old friend is going has been replaced by the minute or less it takes to jump on Facebook, or if you are really feeling like going the extra mile sending an email.

Social networking sites can help maintain a network and keep you updated on new events in one another’s life at a moments notice, but they should not be used to sustain a network. If you entire relationship with someone relies on a server in California how meaningful is it?